Canada wins international seat

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2002

(CAIRO, EGYPT) - A Canadian has won the Presidency of the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP). Jack Wilkinson, an Ontario farmer was elected today at IFAP's 35th General Conference in Cairo, Egypt.

"This is great news for Canada," said Bob Friesen, Canadian F President. "We face big challenges in the international arena right now - the U.S. Farm Bill, continuing high subsidies in other countries, and foreign challenges to our effective marketing institutions like supply management. With a Canadian at the helm of this important organization, Canada will have more strength to push its position abroad."

IFAP was formed in 1946 as a forum to foster cooperation between the agricultural producers' organizations of the world. 89 organizations from 68 countries are members of IFAP. This represents over 500 million farmers worldwide. IFAP has General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

With the election of Mr. Wilkinson, Canada will have three seats on IFAP. CFA President Bob Friesen, Vice-President of IFAP during the last term, will retain his seat on the executive committee. Leo Bertoia, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada, is Chair of the IFAP Dairy Committee and will also retain his seat on the Executive Committee. "This maxims Canada's presence at the international level," added Friesen.

"These elections solidify Canada's team approach in international affairs. I am looking forward to contributing to IFAP's work in improving farmers' situation globally," said Wilkinson.

Jack Wilkinson is currently President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. He served two terms as President of CFA prior to Mr. Friesen, and still serves as a member of the CFA Executive Committee and Board of Directors. In the past he has held the Vice-Presidency of IFAP. Mr. Wilkinson has a grains and oilseeds and beef cattle operation in Brethour Township in Temiskaming, Ontario.

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Founded in 1935 to provide Canada's farmers with a single voice in Ottawa, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers and farm families.

Contact:

Kieran Green, CFA Communications Coordinator, (613) 236-3633, info@cfafca.ca

Gary Struthers, Media Relations Coordinator Ontario Federation of Agriculture (416) 485-3333